Tag: Sport

Dougie Samuel takes charge at Spartans

Douglas Samuel has been appointed senior team manger at Spartans. A statement posted on the Ainslie Park club’s website today confirmed his appointment and that of Neil Irvine as assistant boss. Dougie, a former club captain, is currently development manager at the club.

The Spartans statement says:

‘We are delighted to announce Douglas Samuel as the manager of our Senior team.  As most of you know Douglas has been head coach of Edinburgh University FC for the last nine seasons since leaving us as a player.  Douglas outlined his plans to the Executive yesterday afternoon and we were delighted to select him and his team to help us move forward over many seasons to come.  Neil Irvine will be Douglas’ assistant manager.  Neil was also a player with us before supporting Douglas at the University.

Chairman Craig Graham said “Douglas and Neil’s management and coaching pedigree make them the perfect choice.  We have ambitious plans over the next five years plus and Douglas will spearhead our on field developments.  As well as being manager of our Senior team Douglas will have oversight of our Junior, U21 and U19 set ups to ensure we align all our efforts”.

Douglas will be meeting our players over the next couple of weeks and we look forward to announcing our squad for next season at the end of the month.  Douglas’ full coaching and player development team will also be announced over the next couple of weeks’.

 

Ainslie Park strife follows management departures

Mike Lawson, the former co-manager of Spartans, spoke out against the hierarchy of Spartans Football Club this week after he and Sam Lynch were relieved of their duties at Ainslie Park.

In an explosive interview with the North Edinburgh News, Lawson blasted members of the board for forcing the pair out and believes they have been trying to do so for “four or five years”.  Match secretary Jimmy Murray resigned following the decision to dump the co-managers, saying he “wanted nothing to do with the committee’s decision to sack Sam and Mike.”

There was no sign of any ill-feeling towards the former management pair from the man that took the decision, though. Chairman Craig Graham said:  “We are embarking on a five-year plan with licencing, the introduction of a Lowland League and hopefully a place in the SFL. The committee decided that this was a good time to change as we want to build and introduce young players. We are an ambitious club with excellent facilities.”

Preferring to focus on the positives of their time at the club, Castle FM sports reporter – and Spartans supporter – Cameron Hobbs heaped praise on the duet that has seen the north Edinburgh club win several trophies over an 11-year spell, describing them as “legends”.

He said:  “As far as I’m concerned Mike and Sam are Spartans legends.  In my time as a fan of the club I’ve seen us go on several Scottish Cup runs, beating several SFL sides.  I’ve seen us win every single cup we can – out with the main Scottish Cup. Nobody can take away what great servants they have been to Spartans and I’m therefore sad to see them leave.”

As much as Hobbs is disappointed in the departure of Messrs Lawson and Lynch, he is confident in the future of the club and sees it developing further.

He added: “I believe we still have a very exciting future ahead.  We will continue to focus and drive forward to hopefully play our way into the Scottish 3rd Division and beyond. The Spartans fan base is ever growing and I’m already looking forward to next season.”

Alan Clark

Public praised after 'momentous' Cup Final weekend

Lothian and Borders Police have praised the public for ensuring the Scottish Cup Final between Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC and the yesterday’s victory parade was a huge success for the city of Edinburgh.

Over 50,000 supporters attended the match at Hampden stadium, while thousands more watched the match at home or within licensed premises. Yesterday, approximately 100,000 people around the city participated in the victory celebrations and watched the Hearts team travel from the City Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium in Gorgie.

Lothian and Borders Police and their partner agencies carried out a major operation on match day and on the day of the parade to ensure public safety was maintained throughout and to facilitate an historic and family-friendly weekend for the capital, and all organisations involved would now like to thank supporters of both clubs and members of the public alike for their responsible behaviour and good spirits over the past two days.

Eight people were arrested in Edinburgh on Saturday for offences including alleged breaches of the peace and assault, but police and partners have hailed the weekend as a major success with no significant incidents having occurred.

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “With Edinburgh’s two professional teams facing each other in a major cup final, worldwide attention focused on Edinburgh, Glasgow and the fans and organisations associated with the match. I am delighted by the manner in which members of the public conducted themselves. Both sets of fans were a credit to themselves and their clubs as they travelled to and from Glasgow and while they watched the match, either within the stadium, at home or in licensed premises.”

She went on: “Detailed planning between all partner agencies was carried out prior to this event to ensure the public were aware of all key issues including transport arrangements, local bylaws and planned activities for both clubs. Significant police resources were in place to assist fans as they made their way to watch the match and to deal with any issues that arose. The feedback from officers across all forces has been extremely positive and the engagement between police and public appears to have been a key factor. “Lothian and Borders Police have a wealth of experience in facilitating large events within Edinburgh and worked closely with both clubs and the City of Edinburgh Council to agree two separate parade routes. Once the result of yesterday’s match was decided, the parade plan for City Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium was implemented to allow fans the chance to safely view their team with the Scottish Cup and enjoy the celebrations put on by the club. We would like to thank our local communities for all their assistance, support and co-operation throughout this momentous weekend.”

Public praised after ‘momentous’ Cup Final weekend

Lothian and Borders Police have praised the public for ensuring the Scottish Cup Final between Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC and the yesterday’s victory parade was a huge success for the city of Edinburgh.

Over 50,000 supporters attended the match at Hampden stadium, while thousands more watched the match at home or within licensed premises. Yesterday, approximately 100,000 people around the city participated in the victory celebrations and watched the Hearts team travel from the City Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium in Gorgie.

Lothian and Borders Police and their partner agencies carried out a major operation on match day and on the day of the parade to ensure public safety was maintained throughout and to facilitate an historic and family-friendly weekend for the capital, and all organisations involved would now like to thank supporters of both clubs and members of the public alike for their responsible behaviour and good spirits over the past two days.

Eight people were arrested in Edinburgh on Saturday for offences including alleged breaches of the peace and assault, but police and partners have hailed the weekend as a major success with no significant incidents having occurred.

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh said: “With Edinburgh’s two professional teams facing each other in a major cup final, worldwide attention focused on Edinburgh, Glasgow and the fans and organisations associated with the match. I am delighted by the manner in which members of the public conducted themselves. Both sets of fans were a credit to themselves and their clubs as they travelled to and from Glasgow and while they watched the match, either within the stadium, at home or in licensed premises.”

She went on: “Detailed planning between all partner agencies was carried out prior to this event to ensure the public were aware of all key issues including transport arrangements, local bylaws and planned activities for both clubs. Significant police resources were in place to assist fans as they made their way to watch the match and to deal with any issues that arose. The feedback from officers across all forces has been extremely positive and the engagement between police and public appears to have been a key factor. “Lothian and Borders Police have a wealth of experience in facilitating large events within Edinburgh and worked closely with both clubs and the City of Edinburgh Council to agree two separate parade routes. Once the result of yesterday’s match was decided, the parade plan for City Chambers to Tynecastle Stadium was implemented to allow fans the chance to safely view their team with the Scottish Cup and enjoy the celebrations put on by the club. We would like to thank our local communities for all their assistance, support and co-operation throughout this momentous weekend.”

Trying times for Telford rugby students!

Former Scottish rugby star Gregor Townsend joined young sporting talent from Edinburgh’s Telford College to pass on invaluable advice and experience relating to the sport yesterday. Gregor who won 82 Scottish caps, conducted a coaching session at Telford as part of the inaugural Edinburgh Colleges’ Festival.

Putting the newly developed Marine Drive rugby pitches to good use, Gregor worked with the college’s rugby performance students for around an hour. This was followed by a short Q&A session that gave the students a chance to get helpful tips and advice from the sporting star.

Robert Chrystie, Rugby Performance Course Leader at Edinburgh’s Telford College said: “The new and improved rugby pitches allow our students to achieve better results through having good quality training facilities. Our rugby performance course is one of very few in Scotland. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we provide our students with the resources they require in order to improve their rugby skills.

“The event with Gregor was of real use to the learners, some of whom are considering a professional career in the sport. Being able to have access to someone who has experienced the sport and its highs and lows is a great experience for them and we hope to build upon this with similar sessions in the future.”

Edinburgh’s Telford College runs a dedicated Rugby Performance course, which aims to cover all aspects of the sporting profession, helping attract more young people into the sport and provide a springboard into some of the country’s top teams.

Gregor Townsend said: “I really enjoyed working the boys on their skills. I was keen to pass on my experience in professional rugby and I definitely made sure they all worked extremely hard in the session. The rugby performance course at Telford College is important as it helps individuals to reach their full potential within a physically demanding sport. I’m proud to be able to work with colleges to help develop the future talent of Scottish rugby.”

The event was part of the Edinburgh Colleges’ Festival, which runs from 7 May to 30 June and celebrates the work and talent of students from Edinburgh’s Telford College, Stevenson College and Jewel and Esk College ahead of the October 2012 merger.  The event is one of the largest student-led Further Education events in the UK.

Edinburgh’s Telford College, provides a wide range of career related programmes to help learners progress into work or University education. Currently the college has around 17,000 students and 600 members of staff. More information about Telford can be found at www.ed-coll.ac.uk

Cup Final Information

 

With THE BIG DAY fast approaching, Lothian and Borders Assistant Chief Constable Bill Skelly has issued the following message:

On Saturday 19 May, Heart of Midlothian FC and Hibernian FC will compete for the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park, Glasgow.  This is the first time since 1896 that two Edinburgh teams have made it to the final and the day should be one of great pride for the capital city.

The Scottish Cup Final weekend will present some unique challenges for communities in and around Edinburgh and for Lothian and Borders Police.

Large numbers of fans will travel to the national stadium in Glasgow for the game resulting in an influx in the numbers utilising the transport infrastructure, including the road and rail networks.

It is important that those using these networks over the weekend leave plenty time for their journey and are prepared for possible delays Our partners at City of Edinburgh Council and First Scotrail have already released details of the provisions and plans in place for facilitating travel to the West and back.

I would strongly advise supporters to consult all the partner agency websites for updates relating to transport issues, policing messages and guidance from the respective football clubs.

With such a busy weekend of sport due to be televised, Lothian and Borders Police fully anticipate the various licensed premises across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders to experience an increase in business. Many of those attending the Cup Final may also wish to drink before heading to the match, which they are free to do so either at home or at a pub or restaurant.

However, it is important that people adopt a responsible attitude and ensure their behaviour does not place them or others at risk of harm. It is a momentous occasion for the city and we want everyone to enjoy the festival of sport.

Lothian and Borders Police, Strathclyde Police and British Transport Police have worked closely with one another and with both Hearts and Hibs to prevent alcohol from ruining a special day for the capital.

Fans travelling by rail and coach have already been made aware that drinking onboard is prohibited and officers from each force will carry out various policing activities to remove alcohol from anyone found in possession.

Last weekend, police in Edinburgh’s city-centre carried out unannounced inspections at a number of pubs and clubs to ensure the terms of their licenses were being adhered to. Staff at these venues were offered crime prevention advice ahead of the cup final weekend and are urged to report any criminal behaviour immediately. Officers will provide a visible presence within these establishments across the weekend to offer reassurance and deal with any issues, which may arise.

Sectarian behaviour within Scottish football is very topical at the moment and active steps are being taken by all police Forces and football clubs and governing bodies to address this issue. It is important that everyone can attend football matches and related events without fear of prejudice or discrimination.  The Scottish Cup final should be a time for celebration and the public are reminded that police in Scotland will use relevant legislation in response to those acting in an unacceptable manner.

Regardless of the result, Sunday 20 May will be a day of celebration within the city and detailed planning has been ongoing between Lothian and Borders Police, City of Edinburgh Council and the football clubs in respect of a victory parade for the winning side.

The event will be a time for friends and family to come together and savour the success of their team and our communities can rest assured that public safety is paramount during all planning discussions.

The parade routes for the victorious team can already be found on the Lothian and Borders Police blog as well as on the respective club websites and fans are urged to consult these sites to determine their best position for seeing the trophy.

Communication between the partner agencies and the public has been at the forefront of this operation and all organisations are keen to utilise their various platforms for reaching our communities.

As well as operational updates on the police website – http://www.lbp.police.uk  live matchday tweets with all relevant information can be received by following @LBP_Police and using the hashtag #LBPCup.

On behalf of Lothian and Borders Police I would like to wish both sides the best of luck for Saturday and I sincerely hope that supporters and neutrals alike experience a safe and well-tempered cup final weekend.

ACC Bill Skelly

 

Stroll up for Saturday football coaching

Civil Service Strollers are running football training sessions for youngsters on Saturday mornings at their Telford College Playing Fields home on Marine Drive.

Operating in partnership with Play2learn Sports Coaching, Diamond Football is fast-flowing four-a-side football game that ensures young players get more touches, develops positional awareness and improves first-touch skills – and most important, it’s fun to play!

Sessions are held for children (boys and girls both welcome) born in 2005 or 2006 from 9.30am and it’s a 10.30am start for children born in 2007 and 2008.

Each player receives quality coaching, chances to win medals and prizes and can have a lot of fun too. For further information call Shane at Play2Learn on 07952 147 577, email Shane@Play2Learn.info

 

Beattie’s the bhoy to break Hibs’ hearts!

Tick tock, tick, tock … It’s been 110 years since Hibs won the Scottish Cup – and Hearts fans reckon you can make that 111! As they see it, it’s going to be Gorgie glee and not sunshine on Leith come 5pm on 19 May.

Hearts have the upper hand in derby encounters over recent seasons – the unbeaten run now stretches to ten games and you have to go back to three long years to find the last time Hibs tasted victory in an Edinburgh derby through a Riordan penalty. There are good reasons for that Hearts dominance.

When it comes to the big occasion, Hearts players rise to the challenge where Hibs seem to wilt and wither under the pressure. Hearts seem to want it more and even seem to expect it now – there’s a superiority, a swagger and a confidence when Hearts face Hibs. And in the lead-up to the most talked about Cup Final in living memory, Hearts have better players than Hibs all over the pitch.

Take the respective defences. The Hearts defence is settled, reliable and packed with experience. Hearts goalkeepers have also made the headlines for the right reasons – unlike poor old Hibs: Malkowski or Makalambay, anybody? Hearts have nothing to fear from a powder puff Hibs attack.

In midfield Hearts also hold all the aces. While Hibs’ engine room is full of lightweight players who flatter to deceive with fancy flicks and nice touches – which seldom come off – in Ian Black Hearts have a combative wee warrior (Hibs fans call him other things) who will boss, bully and dominate the centre of the park. Games like these need a grafter, a battler. Hibs don’t have one – Hearts have Ian Black.

Up front, Hearts have the edge too. Big game player Rudi Skacel has a fine record against Hibs and in Craig Beattie Hearts have a fine striker with all the attributes you need to win games. He’s sharp, has a fine shot and is good in the air. When chances come, he takes them. Hibs defence has tightened up over recent weeks, but they are still prone to the odd error and you can be sure that any weaknesses will be exposed on Hampden’s wide-open spaces. Both Hibs full-backs like to get forward but leave space at the back – and when Hearts wide players get in behind them there will be opportunities aplenty. Hearts will create chances and, with the firepower available at Gorgie, Hibs will be punished.

Yes, Hearts have had better seasons but given the ongoing wages problems and persistent reports that all is not well financially, that’s hardly surprising. Having said that, Hearts  have still had a better season than their old rivals! In Paulo Sergio Hearts have an astute young manager and, if he’s left alone to do his job without interference from ‘on high’, he’s already shown that he can get results and Sergio has a fully fit and highly motivated squad to choose from. Unlike the Hibs, Hearts have not been involved in an end of season dogfight and have had a perfect preparation in the build-up to the Cup Final.

And there’s no doubt about it, Hearts got to the final on merit – they took on Scotland’s best team by far, and not only matched Celtic but deservedly beat them. Celtic had no excuses, and how many of the current Hibs squad would get a place in that Celtic team?

Hearts face their oldest rivals on 19 May full of confidence. Better players, better form, better manager, great recent record against Hibs, fine performances at Hampden behind them – everything points to a comprehensive Hearts victory, and the sweetest cup win of them all.

Beattie's the bhoy to break Hibs' hearts!

Tick tock, tick, tock … It’s been 110 years since Hibs won the Scottish Cup – and Hearts fans reckon you can make that 111! As they see it, it’s going to be Gorgie glee and not sunshine on Leith come 5pm on 19 May.

Hearts have the upper hand in derby encounters over recent seasons – the unbeaten run now stretches to ten games and you have to go back to three long years to find the last time Hibs tasted victory in an Edinburgh derby through a Riordan penalty. There are good reasons for that Hearts dominance.

When it comes to the big occasion, Hearts players rise to the challenge where Hibs seem to wilt and wither under the pressure. Hearts seem to want it more and even seem to expect it now – there’s a superiority, a swagger and a confidence when Hearts face Hibs. And in the lead-up to the most talked about Cup Final in living memory, Hearts have better players than Hibs all over the pitch.

Take the respective defences. The Hearts defence is settled, reliable and packed with experience. Hearts goalkeepers have also made the headlines for the right reasons – unlike poor old Hibs: Malkowski or Makalambay, anybody? Hearts have nothing to fear from a powder puff Hibs attack.

In midfield Hearts also hold all the aces. While Hibs’ engine room is full of lightweight players who flatter to deceive with fancy flicks and nice touches – which seldom come off – in Ian Black Hearts have a combative wee warrior (Hibs fans call him other things) who will boss, bully and dominate the centre of the park. Games like these need a grafter, a battler. Hibs don’t have one – Hearts have Ian Black.

Up front, Hearts have the edge too. Big game player Rudi Skacel has a fine record against Hibs and in Craig Beattie Hearts have a fine striker with all the attributes you need to win games. He’s sharp, has a fine shot and is good in the air. When chances come, he takes them. Hibs defence has tightened up over recent weeks, but they are still prone to the odd error and you can be sure that any weaknesses will be exposed on Hampden’s wide-open spaces. Both Hibs full-backs like to get forward but leave space at the back – and when Hearts wide players get in behind them there will be opportunities aplenty. Hearts will create chances and, with the firepower available at Gorgie, Hibs will be punished.

Yes, Hearts have had better seasons but given the ongoing wages problems and persistent reports that all is not well financially, that’s hardly surprising. Having said that, Hearts  have still had a better season than their old rivals! In Paulo Sergio Hearts have an astute young manager and, if he’s left alone to do his job without interference from ‘on high’, he’s already shown that he can get results and Sergio has a fully fit and highly motivated squad to choose from. Unlike the Hibs, Hearts have not been involved in an end of season dogfight and have had a perfect preparation in the build-up to the Cup Final.

And there’s no doubt about it, Hearts got to the final on merit – they took on Scotland’s best team by far, and not only matched Celtic but deservedly beat them. Celtic had no excuses, and how many of the current Hibs squad would get a place in that Celtic team?

Hearts face their oldest rivals on 19 May full of confidence. Better players, better form, better manager, great recent record against Hibs, fine performances at Hampden behind them – everything points to a comprehensive Hearts victory, and the sweetest cup win of them all.

Hibs heroes to end Hampden hoodoo

 

And if you know your history … yes, we know, it’s 110 years since Hibs won the Scottish Cup and long-suffering Hibees could be forgiven for staying in their beds on 19 May, or maybe take the opportunity to enjoy that long-awaited weekend break in Kazahkstan. After all, Hibs don’t beat Hearts. And they certainly don’t win the Scottish Cup.

It was somehow inevitable that, following Hibs semi-final victory over Aberdeen, city rivals Hearts would triumph over Celtic in the other tie. It was meant to be.

And yet Hibs could surprise us all – their own fans included. Granted, this is probably the worst ever Hibs team to contest a final, but the Hampden showpiece is an opportunity to put wretched League form behind them and go out and actually enjoy the occasion. There is no pressure on the Easter Road men – they have nothing to lose; they are expected to lose.

Half the HIbs squad is out of contract at the end of this season – what better opportunity to put yourself in the shop window, or securing yourself a new contract, than by being part of a cup winning team?

Hibs have been poor all season – correction, for seasons – and their current SPL plight is no surprise. They are not in a false position – they thoroughly deserve to be where they are, scrapping it out with Dunfermline for Premier League survival. They just haven’t been good enough.

But they have been a different proposition in the cup. Granted, they have had some luck in the draw but they have done all they have had to do, and they have reached the final on merit. In Leigh Griffiths and Gary O’Connor they do have strikers who can take their chances and who can prove a handful for the Hearts defence.

And in James McPake the Hibees at last have a leader of the pitch, a real captain who will nail his colours to the mast and who will battle for the cause to the end. He’s the type of motivator Hibs have been sorely missing – and the Cup Final is a day for big hearts and big men. McPake may just inspire his men to glory.

So it could just be Hibs day. Some very ordinary players could well become club legends over the course of ninety (or, God forbid, 120) minutes. It’s unlikely to be pretty or even enjoyable; forget a 7-0 or a 6-2, a sclaffed tap-in in the 89th minute for an ill-deserved 1-0 would do! The only thing that matters is the name on the trophy after the game. Given the topsy-turvy nature of Scottish football this season, that name could just be Hibernian FC – and how sweet would it be to end that Hampden hoodoo against your oldest rivals?

For Hibs, it’s the biggest game in the club’s illustrious history. And for the fans, the most important match of their lives. As one long-suffering Hibs fan said: ‘for them, it’s just another game. But for us, it means everything’.